Dogs in restaurants - I am done!

Then establishments will think that most people own a dog because only mostly dog owners eat out.

I don't mind dogs, but the way they are treated as extensions of humans these days is getting ridiculous.

Given that most businesses who allow dogs report an increase in profits of up to 50% after becoming dog friendly it would appear you are in the minority despite how MN makes it look.

No, you are expecting the world to revolve around you and your dislike of dogs.

There was a thread asking if people ate out less. In my case yes, not because I can't afford it, but because dogs are everywhere so I just don't bother any more. I'd guess I'm not the only one either going by this thread.

Yes, but it's not surprising dogs aren't allowed in eateries in the US, as they're still a bit behind with their animal welfare standards.

Isn't it common for dogs still to be tethered in gardens and still legal for them to be ear cropped and tail docked? The Westminster Dog Show displays a cruelty warning when it's shown on tv in the UK.

mrsm43 - But you certainly seem to think the world revolves round you and your dog (s) No consideration for people who don't like, are scared, are allergic, are clean and don't want to be near dogs. And you certainly aren't understanding that it is virtually impossible to find anywhere dog free to eat. We shouldn't be banished to McDonald's and garden centres during the day so you can take your dog to establishments.

Dogs have never liked being on their own, working dogs who work hard all day tend to be with other working dogs, and resting.

In pet dogs it is thought around 75% (minimum!) have separation anxiety - as someone who specialises in treating/preventing Separation Related Problems (SRP) I would say that is quite a conservative estimate as there are many whose owners wouldn't know, neighbours don't hear it or don't tell them, dog 'only' howls/barks once they're out of earshot, they've not got pet cameras and assume their dog is fine.

We've never selectively bred dogs to tolerate or actively like separation, even those bred to live away from people are selectively bred to treat another species as their social group (ie livestock guardian dogs that live with the flock) or live in a large group of their own kind.

For wild and feral animals, even the supposedly solitary species aren't until around sexual maturity - but we seem to expect tiny puppies can be left alone for hours on end. And of course the wild/feral counter part has free choice as to where to go, what to do and whether they seek out company or not - the dog locked in a house or worse, in a crate in a house, has none of that.

What has changed is more people have dogs, without considering it takes on average, 18 months to get them to a point where they can be left for reasonable time frames, and more business are desperate for custom - with people not affording holidays if it means kennelling the dog, it is no wonder theres a lot of encouragement to holiday in the UK with your dog.

No. It's definitely smelly dog. I don't know anyone who keeps a bull in their home...

Maybe don't eat in dog friendly restaurants if you don't like dogs?

No, but they do other gross things, and I have been eating near people who have changed nappies on the table in full view of other customers.

My dog was fine to be left alone, but it made no sense to walk past a dog friendly cafe, take her home then go back to it without her.
I also wanted her there with me, and she liked being with me. Now she is gone, I am glad I spent those relaxed moments in cafes with her.

I’m a dog owner and totally agree with you! Dogs stink, walk in poo, slobber, bark. I don’t even eat around mine at home.

Absolutely, except children don’t lick their own arse in front of people who are eating.

Err, I wasn't demanding any business cut their profits!
I was challenging the statement that dogs don't like to be left alone. I think they're fine to be alone for a few hours.

I use various holiday cottage rental providers fairly regulalry and I will not, ever, book a place which states that pets are allowed.

I've learned not to book such places by straightforward personal experience. They are simply not as clean. This has proved a consistent fact.

(Edited to remove hyperlink, which I didn't intentionally put there but came up automatically).

Eating out isn't a need either.

Take a packed lunch or eat somewhere that doesn't allow dogs.

Demanding that businesses cut their profits by up to 50% to suit a small number of people with allergies or phobias is the very definition of entitlement.

If you have dog phobias or allergies, then do your research and pick a dog free venue. Weatherspoons, Pizza Express, McDonalds, Subway, KFC and many, many more are available...

Yes, that was my point.
Of course if people want to take their dogs to John Lewis then off they go, but I don't accept that it's a need because dogs can't be left alone. They may have not been trained to be used to be left alone for a few hours, which is a different thing.

We had this last weekend. Sat down, ordered brunch and then two dogs, huge ie table height, came in with their owners at the table next to us. Owners made a great fuss of shaking and positioning two dog hair ridden blankets for them to lie on but one wouldn’t lie down and had its face a foot away from me breathing hard and drooling as it was so hot. I asked the owner politely to move the dog but he just gave a little shrug and did nothing. We cancelled our order got a refund and left. We won’t be back either.

I think this is it. Dog phobias and allergies. It is a real issue.

people are trying to equate dogs with children but I’ve not come across anyone with a child phobia or an allergy to children.

I saw a dog in Gail’s earlier. Not sure whether Gail’s had provided the dog blanket and blue plastic bowl? Either way it was on the lead stretched across a walk way making a massive trip hazard. There was plenty of seating under a cover outside.

I do like dogs (I wouldn’t want one though and I’m a bit uncomfortable around them). However, I totally respect them for the special species they are. But lots of people really have an issue with them. I just don’t think it’s great to have dogs in cafes or restaurants. Walkers pub may be.

I'm glad I don't live in Europe in that case.

Well, I can't speak for ALL dog owners, but within my social groups, we're all more than happy to stick to dog friendly places, and we do our research. No tantrums!

You should eat in places that are dog free, if you want a dog free environment. Do your research and choose places accordingly. Your failure to research is n9t the fault of dog owners.

Going into a dog friendly venue and then throwing a tantrum because there are dogs there is like a vegetarian going into a Steakhouse and complaining there are people in there eating meat!

Do your research and stick to places that meet your needs and stop being so entitled. The world does not revolve around you.

No that's not true.
https://pettable.com/blog/where-can-esa-go

https://guide.michelin.com/gb/en/restaurants/pets_allowed_everywhere

1579 allow pets everywhere. A further 816 allow them but only in outside areas.

Good question! Many responsible dog owners here have said they don’t take their dogs to restaurants, shops and cafes.